University of Minnesota Offers Funded Master’s in Conservation Sciences with $30,000 Annual Stipend

The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities has announced a funded master’s research opportunity in Conservation Sciences, offering an annual salary starting at $30,000. The position is open to candidates interested in wildlife conservation, environmental research, community-based studies, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The opportunity was shared on the Texas A&M University Natural Resources Job Board on October 19, 2026.

The selected student will work on a conservation project in partnership with White Earth Natural Resources in Minnesota. The project, titled “Revitalizing Hunting, Fishing and Trapping in White Earth Using Participatory GIS,” is led by researchers Christopher Shaffer and Marissa Milstein within the Umana Laboratory. It aims to understand the declining participation of Indigenous communities in traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping activities, which are vital for cultural traditions, livelihoods, and food security.

The research will involve community engagement, participatory mapping, and both qualitative and quantitative methods. The team seeks to identify barriers to participation and develop a community-based GIS to support education, traditional knowledge exchange, and natural resource management. The position requires at least 40 hours per week, and previous professional experience is not mandatory. Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2026.

The Conservation Sciences Graduate Program at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, offers this opportunity. In addition to the advertised salary, the program provides financial support through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. This makes it an attractive option for students seeking hands-on research experience in conservation and community-based natural resource management.